Milk, rum, banana and cinnamon smoothie

Ingredients

• 4 mediumripe bananas
• 600 mlcold milk
• 4 teaspoonssugar
• 2 teaspoonscinnamon
• 2 tablespoonsrum

Instructions

1. 1

   Peel the bananas

   Cut off the stalks and remove the banana skins.

2. 2

   Trim the bananas

   Remove both ends and pick away the side strings.

3. 3

   Slice the fruit

   Cut the bananas into rounds and put them in a blender.

4. 4

   Add the liquids

   Add the milk, sugar, rum and cinnamon.

5. 5

   Blend until smooth

   Run the blender for one minute.

6. 6

   Chill the smoothie

   Put the smoothie in the fridge for one hour.

7. 7

   Pour into glasses

   After chilling, pour it into tall drink glasses.

8. 8

   Serve the drinks

   Serve with a straw.

What is a banana smoothie?

A banana smoothie is a blended drink made from fruit and milk, served cold. This Italian recipe gives the familiar combination a hint of rum and cinnamon.

Ripe bananas provide sweetness and body, while chilling the blended drink lets it become thoroughly cold before serving.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 220 calories, 6g protein, 36g carbs, 5g fat.

Bananas and added sugar provide most of the carbohydrates, while milk contributes protein and much of the fat; the rum adds a small amount of energy. Pair a glass with toast or nuts if you want a more filling plate.

Choosing the ingredients

Bananas: Use medium, ripe fruit, which blends easily and brings more sweetness than underripe bananas. Removing the ends and side strings gives the drink a smoother finish.

Milk: Cold milk helps the smoothie start chilled. The recipe does not specify a fat level, so choose the kind you usually keep at home.

Getting a smooth blend

Fruit first: Put the banana rounds in the blender before adding the remaining ingredients. This gives the blades fruit to work through as the milk is added.

Blend time: Run the appliance for one minute as directed. Check that no banana pieces remain before transferring the drink to the fridge.

Why chill it?

One hour in the fridge gives the smoothie time to become properly cold after blending. Keep it covered while it chills so it does not pick up other fridge aromas.

Give it a quick stir if the mixture separates slightly before pouring.

Serving the smoothie

Glasses: Pour the chilled drink into tall glasses, as the recipe suggests, and serve with a straw. A quick stir before pouring helps distribute the cinnamon evenly.

Pairing: Serve it as a sweet breakfast drink or a simple afternoon snack. For a more substantial plate, add toast or a small handful of nuts.

Adjusting the sweetness

Banana ripeness: Very ripe bananas taste sweeter, so the finished drink may seem sweeter than one made with fruit that is only just ripe.

Sugar: Keep the stated amount for the recipe as written, or reduce it slightly next time if your bananas are especially sweet.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use ripe bananas so they blend smoothly and bring plenty of natural sweetness.
• Start with cold milk to keep the drink cool from the beginning.
• Measure the cinnamon and rum carefully so they complement rather than overpower the banana.
• Blend for the full minute to break down the fruit evenly.
• Chill the smoothie covered for the full hour before serving.
• Stir the drink briefly if the cinnamon settles while it is chilling.

Variations

• Less sweet: Reduce the sugar slightly, especially when using very ripe bananas.
• More cinnamon: Add a little extra cinnamon for a stronger spice note.
• Dairy-free: Use an unsweetened plant-based milk in place of the milk.
• Alcohol-free: Leave out the rum for a banana-and-cinnamon smoothie without alcohol.
• Thicker texture: Use frozen banana slices and blend them with the other ingredients.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using underripe bananas: They can taste less sweet and blend less readily; choose ripe fruit.
• Skipping the trim: Side strings can affect the texture; remove them as instructed.
• Blending too briefly: Pieces may remain; run the blender for the full minute.
• Serving it warm: The recipe relies on chilling; refrigerate it for one hour before serving.
• Leaving it uncovered: The smoothie can pick up fridge odours; cover it while chilling.

How to store

Keep the smoothie covered in the fridge and drink it within 24 hours for the best texture and flavour. Stir before serving if it separates; it is best served cold rather than reheated.

Frequently asked questions